Degrees

Students who major in Journalism & Mass Communication at CSULB join a program with rich traditions of high academic standards and solid preparation for entry into the several professions. In all areas of study, students have opportunities to pursue theory and concept study as well as hands-on skills. All majors work for the bachelor of arts degree in journalism.

Students who want to pursue a professional career in print journalism normally take skills courses that emphasize writing, reporting and editing, although their studies should also include classes in graphics, design, and on-line publications. Many of them contribute as reporters and editors to two award-winning student publications, the Daily Forty-Niner and the DIG magazine, both notable for successes in California Intercollegiate Press Association competitions. They also are encouraged to takeinternships at professional publications.

Public Relations students have opportunities to study agency public relations as well as corporate and nonprofit practice. They study both internal and external public relations concepts and practices. They also have opportunities to compete against other colleges and universities in skill-based national competition, the Bateman Competition.

Those who want to pursue a career in broadcast journalism have opportunities to study both radio and television broadcasting. They also study writing, editing, and include production in their curriculum. Students have the opportunity to contribute their work to “Campus Connections,” a CATV magazine program aired on Charter Cable 68, and to K-BEACH, an online radio station managed by students. Students in broadcast journalism are strongly encouraged to participate in internships.

Students studying online journalism and new media work in a variety of media environments, develop web pages and become adept in the use of new technological developments in journalism and the mass media. All journalism students are encouraged to be knowledgeable in print, broadcast and on-line journalism, as media industries continue to converge and intermingle.

Students with an interest in media design have a chance to build on the solid journalism skills they acquire in basic classes in the department by learning all facets of media design, for print (newspaper and magazine), broadcast and public relations, during multiple courses offered in the department that focus on media design. Those courses not only cover the theory of design, but also allow students to practice hands-on, including a chance to be published in one of the many publications housed by the Department.

The Department of Journalism & Mass Communication is an institutional member of the national Association of Schools of Journalism and Mass Communication. It is host to a student chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists, a chapter of the Public Relations Student Society of America and Kappa Tau Alpha, the national journalism honorary society.

The Department of Journalism & Mass Communication provides all journalism and public relations students with the opportunity to intern in the mass media, and endeavors to aid students in finding positions in the professions after graduation.

Click here for a list of all courses offered by the Department of Journalism & Mass Communication at CSULB this semester.